Intention—It’s Not Just for Yoga!

BY: Tara DelloIacono Thies

Intentions can be set and carried out in many aspects of life beyond the yoga mat. Our food choices represent a perfect place to set forth an intention. We eat for many reasons, and, in more ways than one, “we are what we eat.” Food affects who we are by impacting our mood, energy level, and how we feel.

By looking deeper into the “stomach-mind connection,” we may find harmony and even more health in our food selections. As you’re eating, ask yourself:

• Why I am eating this?
• What are my intentions with this meal?
• What nutritional needs have I yet to meet today?

There are no wrong answers. These questions help bring awareness to your eating habits.

Food can often be the focus of unkind abuse and an inner struggle between body, mind and mouth. When we abuse food, our bodies recognize it right away and react accordingly.

• Depriving yourself of adequate calories and nutrients affects your well-being leaving a sluggish feeling in the muscles and nutrient deficiencies abound.
• Eating too much at one time can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. It can also burden you with guilt, imparting negative vibes on mind and body.
• Restrictive diets can decrease the pleasure of eating. Instead of special occasions, festive meals or eating out with friends being fun events, they may become triggers to stress and anxiety from restrictive meal pressures.

Unhealthy eating patterns are unfair to the “stomach-mind connection” and limit the pleasure found in food (and, oooh, there is so much pleasure!). Deprivation, overeating and restriction can even lead to feelings of fatigue, grouchiness or anxiety. Where’s the pleasure in that?

Yoga practice is, in part, about being kind and gentle to our bodies. Taking a kind and gentle focus to food can enhance the pleasure of eating and support our well-being. Be kind to your body with food.

Food is something we cannot do without. When the going gets tough (no time to cook, no time to make good choices, no progress with weight management), we can’t simply slam the door on food! Food sustains us and making food choices is something we’re faced with day in and day out. For this reason, a harmonious relationship with all foods is essential for mind and body.

Choosing an intention with each meal or food choice can help you find comfort, enjoyment and health in your selections. Instead of resolving to ward off certain foods or start that “grapefruit-only diet,” start this year by setting down the foundation for a healthy meal plan. With each meal, look to the reasons you’re eating the foods you do. Being aware of your own “stomach-mind connection” may teach you a few things about your eating habits and yourself, in addition to developing a more positive relationship with food.